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Fest Traveler: Stockholm Intl. Film Festival

The fest’s Industry Days (Nov. 16-18) involve Work in Progress screenings of 10 unfinished Scandinavian films. This year’s lineup includes Lasse Hallstrom’s first Swedish movie in 24 years, “The Hypnotist”; “Comrade” by helmer Petter Naess; and “Easy Money 2.”

Each year around 15-20 titles are picked up for distribution.

With 900 accredited journalists from 52 countries, the fest also has a significant international impact. Fest topper Git Scheynius says when Chinese TV did a report on Scandinavian cinema from the festival two years ago, it resulted in a lot of new Sino connections for local filmmakers.

The fest also acts as a launchpad for international films, and particularly for U.S. indies, in Sweden. Debra Granik’s “Winter’s Bone” was the big prize winner last year, picking up best film and actress, and Sweden ended up as that pic’s second-biggest territory worldwide.

Scheynius says U.S indies directed by women, such as “Winter’s Bone,” helped to inspire the fest’s decision to launch its own production fund dedicated to new Swedish female directors.